TAFE NSW Moss Vale has experienced a boom in electrical apprenticeships this year, training triple the number of first year apprentice electricians.
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Teachers at the campus have played a vital role in building a pipeline of skilled electrical apprentices for what is one of the region's largest providers of electrical services has called the highest demand in recent memory.
Simmark Southern Highlands Operations Manager Luke Webb said in his five years with the company, it was the busiest he'd ever seen.
"When COVID hit we ramped up and the demand for people with skills to work on heating, ventilation, solar, and air conditioning is continuing," he said.
Mr Webb said he noticed an increased demand for people with skills in refrigeration.
A qualification in refrigeration is a good stepping-stone into a career as an electrician.
"Another area of growth has been the replacement of older solar systems with the latest technology and the addition of batteries," he said.
"People often think being an electrician is all about wiring houses, but there's a wide range of skills required across the industry, this is where TAFE training is so important. Our apprentices learn skills that cross all those areas of the industry.
"Having somewhere like TAFE NSW Moss Vale skilling up the next generation of electricians with that range of skills is so important to businesses like ours."
As construction continues to grow, that demand doesn't look like easing up any time soon. The Australian Government's Job Outlook forecasts strong growth in the number of electricians with more than 18,000 new apprentices entering the industry between 2020 and 2025.
TAFE NSW apprentice electrician Joel Perkins perfectly timed his entry into the industry.
He decided to become an apprentice electrician after a taster experience through school. He refers to his switch from school to work as a "wakeup to the real world" and encourages young people to consider an apprenticeship in their career plans.
Joel took part in a Youth Engagement Strategy (YES) program aimed at giving young people an insight into studying Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW.
"After the YES program, I knew this was the job for me. I enrolled in Certificate II Electrotechnology which is where I learned the entry-level skills before I picked up an apprenticeship with Simmark.
"Now, as a second-year, Certificate III Electrotechnology apprentice I'm working on solar installations across the Southern Highlands. I'm earning money and learning new skills all the time.
"Eventually, I'd like to start my own company and employ an apprentice or two."
TAFE NSW Head Teacher Andrew OIiphant and his team ensure their students are confident in their new practical skills by simulating real-world conditions at the facilities on campus.
"Students at Moss Vale campus lean to install, test and repair electrical systems to equip them with the skills to join this growing industry. The construction industry is booming across the state and with the NSW Government subsidising the cost of training, now is a good time to become an apprentice."
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